Building a Successful Interior Styling Career | A Conversation with Bea Lambos This week I am joined by Bea Lambos from Bea & Co. as she shares her journey from kitchen design to becoming a sought-after interior stylist. With refreshing honesty, Bea reveals how networking, relationship building, and embracing the practical side of design shaped her career. I hope you enjoy the episode. Beth xx Episode Highlights: • The transition from kitchen design to interior styling • How to build valuabl...
Mar 10, 2025•34 min•Ep. 89
In this episode, I look at how 90% of client issues can be prevented before they even start. If you've ever found yourself knee-deep in a project with clients pushing boundaries, questioning pricing, or expecting things you never agreed to, this episode reveals how strong onboarding can prevent these common frustrations. I hope you enjoy the episode. Beth xx Episode Highlights: • Why most client issues stem from lack of clarity, not difficult clients • Three essential elements of strong onboardi...
Mar 05, 2025•10 min•Ep. 88
In this episode, I am joined by Marcus Syvertsen from Little Road in Adelaide. His journey from paramedic to award-winning interior designer offers valuable insights about career transitions, building a successful design studio, and the power of transferable skills. I hope you enjoy today's episode Beth xx Episode Highlights: • The transition from paramedic to interior designer • Growing a team from solo practice to five staff • Why hiring a studio manager transformed his business • The thriving...
Mar 03, 2025•32 min•Ep. 87
In this weeks Thursday episode, I dive deep into one of the most challenging aspects of running a design business - setting (and raising) your hourly rate. Inspired by a recent Health Check session with a designer, we explore why so many talented designers undercharge and how to break free from this cycle. I hope you enjoy the episode. Beth xx Episode Highlights: • Why random rate-setting leads to burnout • How to calculate your actual required hourly rate • The real impact of undercharging on y...
Feb 26, 2025•10 min•Ep. 86
In this solo episode, I share a seemingly simple story about buying cookies that perfectly illustrates a powerful business lesson: when you create genuine connection and demonstrate clear value, price becomes secondary to experience. I hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx Episode Highlights: • How Brookie's Bakehouse builds connection before purchase • Why social media can be powerful for relationship building • The shift from price-focused to value-focused decisions • How to create connection wit...
Feb 24, 2025•12 min•Ep. 85
In this episode, I am tackling a topic that can make or break your studio's profitability - trade pricing and markups. If you've ever felt awkward about markups, uncertain about your pricing structure, or caught yourself undercharging, this episode is for you. I hope you enjoy the episode. Beth xx Episode Highlights: • Why over-complicated trade pricing leads to lost revenue • The mindset shift needed around markups • Three ways to simplify your trade pricing model • How to communicate pricing w...
Feb 19, 2025•10 min•Ep. 84
In this episode, I am joined by Katie McFarlan from the Dakota Design Company to explore the crucial differences between business coaching and consulting in the interior design industry. With her unique background in wedding planning and extensive experience working with interior designers, Katie shares invaluable insights about choosing the right business support for your needs. I hope you enjoy the epsiode Beth xx Episode Highlights: • Why consultants provide solutions while coaches guide disc...
Feb 17, 2025•51 min•Ep. 83
Should Interior Designers Charge for Initial Client Meetings? In this week's Thursday episode I share my thoughts on a topic that always starts a good debate among interior designers: charging for initial consultations. I want to challenge traditional thinking about value, positioning, and how to set up client relationships for long-term success. In this episode, we explore: • Why charging for initial meetings might be hurting your business • How to shift from time-based to value-based pricing •...
Feb 12, 2025•11 min•Ep. 82
This week I am joined by Arna Sleishman from Designed By Arna and we chat about the process of working towards building a thriving interior design business in Newcastle. From managing 20 projects in her first year to learning valuable lessons about marketing and client relationships, Arna shares the real challenges and triumphs of regional design practice. I hope you enjoy this episode Beth xx In this episode, we discuss: • The journey from kitchen designer to full-service interior design • Why ...
Feb 10, 2025•37 min•Ep. 81
In this week’s Thursday epsiode I talk about how interior designers can transform their business through strategic referrals. I hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx Learn the difference between B2C and B2B referral partnerships and discover how to build a sustainable design studio through trusted relationships. Key Episode Highlights: Understanding B2C (past client) and B2B (industry professional) referral partnerships Creating systems that make referrals natural and easy Building genuine relation...
Feb 05, 2025•14 min•Ep. 80
Join Beth as she shares the journey of her Sydney lower North Shore project landing the cover of House & Garden magazine. From managing a COVID-era renovation to navigating photography and magazine submissions, discover the real story behind achieving the cover. Perfect for interior designers looking to get published or enhance their industry presence, this episode offers practical insights into project management, client relationships, and strategic networking in the design world. I hope yo...
Feb 03, 2025•22 min•Ep. 79
In this episode of the Design Dialogues podcast, I look at the importance of standardized processes in your design studio. Having these processes in place can transform a chaotic work environment into a structured and efficient one, allowing you to focus on your creative work. I outlines essential templates for proposals, client communication, and project tracking, and provide actionable steps for creating processes that stick, including auditing current workflows, involving team members, and do...
Jan 29, 2025•8 min•Ep. 78
In this episode of the Design Dialogues Podcast, I speaks with Tracey Mylechrane from TM Solicitor about the importance of legal support for creatives. Tracey shares her journey from litigation to helping small business owners, particularly in the creative industry, navigate their legal needs. We talk about the significance of tailored legal advice, the necessity of understanding contracts, and the value of building relationships with legal professionals. Tracey emphasizes the importance of docu...
Jan 27, 2025•35 min•Ep. 77
In this weeks tip thursday episode I discuss the critical role of delegation in any interior design business. I look at how delegating tasks is not just about relieving workload but is essential for growth, efficiency, and maintaining creative energy. In the episode I look at how to identify tasks to delegate, overcome fears associated with letting go, and find the right support team to enhance studio operations. I hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx Want to work together? Here are the ways I can...
Jan 22, 2025•9 min•Ep. 76
In this episode of The Design Dialogues Podcast, Hayley Griffiths and I discusses all things copy. We look at the concept of a word bank, emphasizing its importance in crafting a brand voice that resonates with authenticity. Hayley also explains how to curate a list of words that align with one's personal and brand identity, while also identifying words to avoid that do not reflect the brand's essence. I hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx 1. Start a HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for ...
Jan 20, 2025•36 min•Ep. 75
In this Tip Thursday episode of the Design Dialogues podcast, I discusses the common operational challenges faced by interior designers and offer practical solutions to streamline processes. I look at the importance of efficiency in design studios, highlighting how inefficiencies can lead to wasted time and lost revenue. I shares tools and strategies, including the use of software, creating standard operating procedures, and the significance of time tracking and regular team check-ins. I hope yo...
Jan 15, 2025•10 min•Ep. 74
In our first episode back for 2025 I am really excited to bring you our live podcast event that we held at the end of 2024. I was joined in the Brisbane Satara showroom by Eliza Smoothey from Eliza Grace Interiors, Tara Dehbozorgi and Laure Bebbington from Residence Studio and Sara Cornish from Yuzu Interiors - who kindly stepped in for Donna Guyler. It was a fantastic evening filled with lots of great discussions about how to run our interior design studios well. I hope you enjoy the episode Be...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 73
A little annoucement to start 2025. We are back on Tuesday 14th Jan with our first new episode of the year. For 2025 we are introducing a second weekly episode, on Thursdays, which will be short tip episodes to help you in your studios. We are also going to be having regular Q&A episodes where I will answer YOUR questions. Watch out for our speak pipe where you will be able to leave me a voicemail with your question. We have so many exciting things planned for 2025 - great guests and more li...
Jan 10, 2025•4 min
Summer Series - The Design Dialogues Podcast is taking a break over the summer holidays and I have selected some of my favourite guests for you to have a second listen to as I am sure you will get so much out of them. Thank you so much for your support in 2024. I have so many existing things planned for the podcast in 2025. Have a wonderful holiday break and I am looking forward to continuing the dialogues with you in 2025. Happy Holidays Beth xx Want me to look over your Systems and Processes? ...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 19 min
Summer Series - The Design Dialogues Podcast is taking a break over the summer holidays and I have selected some of my favourite guests for you to have a second listen to as I am sure you will get so much out of them. Thank you so much for your support in 2024. I have so many existing things planned for the podcast in 2025. Have a wonderful holiday break and I am looking forward to continuing the dialogues with you in 2025. Happy Holidays Beth xx Want me to look over your Systems and Processes? ...
Dec 30, 2024•47 min
Summer Series - The Design Dialogues Podcast is taking a break over the summer holidays and I have selected some of my favourite guests for you to have a second listen to as I am sure you will get so much out of them. Thank you so much for your support in 2024. I have so many existing things planned for the podcast in 2025. Have a wonderful holiday break and I am looking forward to continuing the dialogues with you in 2025. Happy Holidays Beth xx Want me to look over your Systems and Processes? ...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Summer Series - The Design Dialogues Podcast is taking a break over the summer holidays and I have selected some of my favourite guests for you to have a second listen to as I am sure you will get so much out of them. Thank you so much for your support in 2024. I have so many existing things planned for the podcast in 2025. Have a wonderful holiday break and I am looking forward to continuing the dialogues with you in 2025. Happy Holidays Beth xx Want me to look over your Systems and Processes? ...
Dec 16, 2024•44 min
Summer Series - The Design Dialogues Podcast is taking a break over the summer holidays and I have selected some of my favourite guests for you to have a second listen to as I am sure you will get so much out of them. Thank you so much for your support in 2024. I have so many existing things planned for the podcast in 2025. Have a wonderful holiday break and I am looking forward to continuing the dialogues with you in 2025. Happy Holidays Beth xx Want me to look over your Systems and Processes? ...
Dec 09, 2024•59 min
In this week's episode of The Design Dialogues Podcast, I am speaking with Laurie Laizure, founder of the Interior Design Community. We discuss the evolution of the design industry, the importance of collaboration and support among designers, and the challenges faced in the post-COVID landscape. Laurie shares her journey of creating a vibrant community that fosters positivity and knowledge sharing, while also addressing the need for boundaries and effective communication with clients. In our con...
Dec 02, 2024•47 min•Ep. 72
In this episode of the Design Dialogues podcast, I chat with Leah and Fliss Pitman, the design duo behind Bone Made. They share their journey from humble beginnings to establishing a successful interior design studio. Our conversation explores their unique partnership, the challenges of balancing motherhood with business, and the importance of defining roles within their team. They discuss their approach to identifying ideal clients, the significance of systems and processes in their operations,...
Nov 25, 2024•38 min•Ep. 71
It is a Solo With Beth episode this week and I am talking about some positive changes in my business - focusing on new mentoring services and courses designed for interior designers. I wanted to share the journey towards offering these services, the importance of my experience, and how I aims to provide tailored support to help others grow their businesses. I hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx Want me to look over your Systems and Processes? Sign up here Want to know the steps to take from enqui...
Nov 18, 2024•11 min•Ep. 70
In this episode of the Design Dialogues podcast, I speak with Kate Addamo, a mentor for women and creatives. Kate shares her journey of overcoming personal health challenges and how they shaped her holistic approach to mentoring. We explore the importance of defining success on one's own terms, setting boundaries in business, and creating a balanced life. I hope you enjoy my chat with Kate Beth xx Have the experience of a general manager look over your systems and processes. Book in a health che...
Nov 11, 2024•37 min•Ep. 69
In this weeks episode I am chatting with Andrew Mitchell, founder of the Design Coach and Mr. Mitchell Design. Andrew shares his journey in the interior design industry and we talk about the mindset shift required for designers to see themselves as business owners and not just creatives. We also talk about how important the concept of balance in all areas of life. I hope you enjoy my chat with Andrew Beth xx Have the experience of a general manager look over your systems and processes. Book in a...
Nov 04, 2024•51 min•Ep. 68
This week it is a Solo with Beth episode and I am looking at common friction points designers face with clients, primarily stemming from unclear communication and unmet expectations. I look at three examples of where designers are commonly seeing friction pointes which can be easily resolved with clear and concise communication. By fixing these friction points, you are going to be able to create smoother project experiences, leading to happier clients and better referrals. I hope you enjoy the e...
Oct 28, 2024•17 min•Ep. 67
In this episode of The Design Dialogues Podcast I am chatting with Sam McArthur from Wild Bird Interiors. Sam shares her journey from advertising to interior design and starting her own business. We discuss the importance of leveraging skills from previous careers and the challenges and rewards of being self-employed. I hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx Have the experience of a general manager look over your systems and processes. Book in a health check today. Book your health check today. Star...
Oct 21, 2024•41 min•Ep. 66
